[Major7]

Has anyone installed one yet? If so, any impressions/advice/recommendations?

 

[mrstecks]

I had one installed by the dealership about a week after I got the car. It's almost invisible (you have to look hard to see where it ends) and seems to do a good job. I'm happy with it so far.
But this is the first time I've had one, so I don't have any experience to compare it too.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[hanger505]

What did you have done, complete bumper and partial hood? Do you mind sharing the dealers price?

 

[Major7]

^ Ya, what he said ;-)

 

[mrstecks]

What did you have done, complete bumper and partial hood? Do you mind sharing the dealers price?

They charged me $400.
Full bumper and it extends back along the hood, about half way to the end of the headlight sweep.

 

[thebigjimsho]

That's a good price. Really good, actually. Mirrors, too?

 

[mrstecks]

They didn't do the mirrors. At least I don't think so... Hmmm.. I'll have to dig out the paperwork.
I need to pay more attention.

 

[thebigjimsho]

You'll want the mirrors done. If not, keep the mirrors freshly waxed at all times or they'll fade...

 

[AdamVIP]

Just a few tips for clear bra from my past experiences.

The shop should do it already but have them round any sharp corners of the film, otherwise towels will catch them and youll have lint under them.

Watch out if you claybar the car. That will stick to the edge and never come off.

After a while it will be more visable from sun and scratches so I would set aside a fund for replacing it every 3 years or so if you want to keep it fresh looking.

 

[Major7]

Thanks for the input guys. Much appreciated!

 

[rand49er]

In Feb '05, I had my brand new '05 CTS-V done. They did the hood, the headlights, the front bumper and fascia, the mirrors, the wheel arches, and the rear bumper. $850. Though you can see the edges if you look, the car has incurred no chips in those areas, and what's not covered has remained unscathed as well. Car has 66k miles on it, btw, and doesn't see winters and very rarely rain. Would I do it again? Don't even ask.

 

[2004ctsv]

In Feb '05, I had my brand new '05 CTS-V done. They did the hood, the headlights, the front bumper and fascia, the mirrors, the wheel arches, and the rear bumper. $850. Though you can see the edges if you look, the car has incurred no chips in those areas, and what's not covered has remained unscathed as well. Car has 66k miles on it, btw, and doesn't see winters and very rarely rain. Would I do it again? Don't even ask.

Pretty much same for me. I have a couple of smudges on the hood cover that won't polish out, too deep. But probably save the metal from damage.
Some day I'll take it off, but not yet

Price was around $600 in 04. IIRC

 

[mrstecks]

Thanks for all the good info guys.

 

[jreihsen]

I'm having clear bra installed tomorrow (if it comes in in time).

 

[YankeeVic]

I need to look into this clear bra. I plan on keeping this car so the bra is probably a good idea.

 

[marktanner]

I'm not sure how necessary it is with GM's paint. I had rock chips galore on my BMW M5 and two Porsches, but none so far on my 4 year old CTS-V! I have heard that GM's clear coat is extra hard, and I am becoming a believer. Also, my headlights are still perfect after 33,00 miles.

 

[Teaberry]

I've heard clear bra doesn't hold up well in humid and hot climate like FL and TX? I'm thinking about getting it on my soon to deliver ATS, but it will be mostly parked outside since we have 2 cars in the garage already. Thoughts?

 

[3Point6]

I just picked up a black 2016 ATS 3.6 Performance on Friday, and am having the Xpel clear bra installed on it tomorrow at the same shop that has done my other cars. The front bumper & fascia, hood, headlights, mirror backs, door handle pockets and rear bumper around the applique for $850.

Now a little history on my experience with Xpel. I installed it on my '02 Thunderbird back in '04 and it is just now starting to yellow. At the time, these products were warrantied for about 5 yrs against peeling and yellowing. Granted, the T-Bird is not a daily driver, but it does have 40k miles and the clear bra is 12 years old so I think it held up very well.

I had it installed on my wife's '14 Santa Fe the day after we picked it up and it still looks brand new. The new version of the product is now warrantied for 10 yrs. Outside of the clay bar issue raised above, I have had no problems at all with the product and I know it has kept the fronts of the cars looking new. I highly recommend the installation.

Good Luck!!

 

[DavidATS]

I got it installed on my ATS when I got it (used) and now have had the car 2.5 years. Also happy with it, no chips, washing off dirt and bugs is easier, I think a good choice if you plan on keeping the car a long time.

Also have it on my 2006 BMW, has yellowed a little but I believe the car got the kit when new so roughly 10 years ago and no chips on the front end.

 

[oemtech]

Had it on a RV... Not sure I would do it again. Had a minor accident and had to have the front of the RV repainted due to lifted paint when the removed it. Now this may be different that what is used on a car. One thing about a clean wrap... It will dull over time, get rock chips and may even get mold under it. So plan to replace it at some point.

When I travel I take a cleaning box with me. It has a spray bottle of water with 3 or 4 drops of soap, Quick Detailer, Protect All, Invisible Glass window cleaner with a shot of RainX, a few small towels and few micro fiber cloths. When I stop for gas I clean the windows, clean the bugs off and put a coat of Protect All on the front of the car along with the mirrors.

I have over 35,000 miles on my 2014 ATS and aside from the normal wear and tear it looks pretty dam good IMHO.